Sports
Real reason Paul Pogba was banned from active football for 4yrs
Juventus player Paul Pogba has been banned from football for four years following a failed drug test, according to reports by Italian media.
In September, the ex-Manchester United player received a provisional suspension due to elevated testosterone levels found in his drug test.
Testosterone is a hormone that increases the endurance of athletes.
The 30-year-old was randomly tested after Juventus’ first match of the season on August 20, 2023.
According to BBC Sport, Pogba is expected to challenge Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal’s ruling.
Juventus informed the BBC that they were notified by the anti-doping tribunal on Thursday morning.
This decision implies that Pogba will not be able to participate in any matches until 2027, when he reaches the age of 33.
The ban was backdated to the date of the failed test.
Pogba injured in first start after 12 months
During the initial suspension, Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, said, “What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule.”
BBC reports that Pogba was found to have violated rules due to the presence of non-endogenous testosterone metabolites in the test, indicating an external source of the substances.
Juventus welcomed back Pogba, a former player of the club, with a four-year contract in July 2022 following his departure from Manchester United as a free agent.
During his time with the Italian giants from 2012–2016, he appeared in 178 matches and scored 34 goals.
The 2018 World Cup winner has faced ongoing injury issues since returning to Juventus, causing him to miss the recent World Cup in Qatar.
This season, Pogba has accumulated 51 minutes on the pitch as a substitute in matches against Bologna and Empoli.
During the previous season, he accumulated a total of 162 minutes across various competitions but did not score any goals.
Senegal on Sunday clinched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after a tense 1–0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The final was marked by controversy late in regulation time after the Democratic Republic of Congo referee, Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo, awarded Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time following a VAR review. Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have fouled Brahim Diaz during a corner kick.
Furious over the decision, Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch on the instruction of head coach Pape Thiaw, leading to a 13-minute standoff. Captain Sadio Mané eventually persuaded his teammates to return to the field.
Morocco failed to capitalise on the opportunity as Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, allowing Senegal to push the match into extra time.
The breakthrough came in the fourth minute of extra time when Pape Gueye fired home a stunning strike following a swift counterattack initiated by Mané. Senegal then held firm to silence the home crowd and secure the trophy.
The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in three tournaments, further cementing their status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces.
Here is a list of AFCON Winners Since 1957
2025 – Senegal
2023 – Côte d’Ivoire
2021 – Senegal
2019 – Algeria
2017 – Cameroon
2015 – Côte d’Ivoire
2013 – Nigeria
2012 – Zambia
2010 – Egypt
2008 – Egypt
2006 – Egypt
2004 – Tunisia
2002 – Cameroon
2000 – Cameroon
1998 – Egypt
1996 – South Africa
1994 – Nigeria
1992 – Côte d’Ivoire
1990 – Algeria
1988 – Cameroon
1986 – Egypt
1984 – Cameroon
1982 – Ghana
1980 – Nigeria
1978 – Ghana
1976 – Morocco
1974 – DR Congo
1972 – Congo
1970 – Sudan
1968 – DR Congo
1965 – Ghana
1963 – Ghana
1962 – Ethiopia
1959 – Egypt
1957 – Egypt
Senegal stunned Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday as Pape Gueye’s goal gave them a 1-0 extra-time win in a game marred by ugly incidents following a controversial penalty award.
Several Senegal players walked off the pitch in disgust and clashes erupted among their supporters after Morocco were given a spot-kick in injury time at the end of normal time.
The game restarted after a delay of almost 20 minutes but Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved, taking the final to extra time where Gueye scored before Senegal held on to win the continental title for the second time.
[Vanguard]
The Federal Government has congratulated the Super Eagles for defeating the Pharaohs of Egypt to clinch the third position in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This is contained in a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris on Saturday in Abuja.
“On behalf of the Federal Government and all Nigerians, I congratulate the Super Eagles on winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Their performance throughout the tournament was a source of pride and joy for our nation.
“They have upheld Nigeria’s rich football tradition with heart, skill, and resilience. From the group stages to the final whistle in Casablanca, they showed courage, unity, and belief in one another.
“They didn’t just play; they inspired millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
“Securing a bronze medal adds to Nigeria’s remarkable record in AFCON history, where the Super Eagles have now continued their strong legacy at this level.
“The way they competed, especially against strong teams, showed discipline and an unbroken fighting spirit,” Idris said.
He thanked the coaches, support staff, and every player who wore the green and white jersey for their dedication and sacrifice.
The minister noted that they faced challenges with determination and gave their best on every pitch.
“They reminded us that true strength lies in teamwork, belief, and pride in our nation, Nigeria. Their effort has shown that Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African football.
“Although the ultimate prize may have eluded us this time, know that this bronze medal is earned with dignity and effort.
“It belongs to every Nigerian who cheered, believed, and stood by them throughout this competition.
“Celebrate this achievement with pride, and let it strengthen our resolve for future challenges.
“They have done well, and we are filled with gratitude and admiration for how they represented our nation.
“Congratulations, Super Eagles. Nigeria applauds you,” Idris said.
(NAN)
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